"James signed a long term deal last season but we're in talks again," Lennon said.

"We're also speaking with Adam, Victor, Charlie and Gary. We hope to get over the line with all of them. They're being rewarded for their performances, that's the incentive we give our players. We did it with Beram Kayal and Emilio Izaguirre last season.

"James was brilliant last season and is an exceptional player. We want to tie him down. We hope they all sign a year extension on the contracts. It's an investment on the club's part but I don't see it that way. These players have done brilliantly for me and I want to reward them."